Muntin Clip

ABSTRACT

A muntin clip is adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame. The muntin clip includes a base member adapted for connection to the spacer frame and a bar support adapted for connection to the muntin bar end. The base member has a first segment, a second segment, and a mount structure. The bar support extends from the base member and has a first segment extending from the first segment of the base member and a second segment extending from the second segment of the base member. A flexible hinge member connects the first segment of the bar support to the second segment of the bar support, allowing the muntin clip assembly to move between an unfolded position and a folded position. A tension mechanism exerts outward force on the first and second segments of the base member when the muntin clip assembly is in the folded position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/757,116, filed Jan. 6, 2006, which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to muntin grids for sash windowassemblies and more specifically to a muntin clip for positioning thegrid within a sash window.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Double hung window assemblies typically include a pair of sash windowsslidably mounted within a master frame. In the past, sash windows wereprovided with a grid of muntin bars, typically made of wood, thatseparated and held multiple panes of glass within a sash. Each panewould be mounted within the sash in the same plane. Now, double ormultiple pane windows are provided, otherwise known as insulated orthermo-pane window assemblies. These insulated window assemblies includea pair of glass panes mounted in parallel relation to one another withina sash frame and separated by a small distance. The panes are typicallyseparated by a spacer frame located about a periphery of the panes. Ofcourse, insulated or thermo pane windows are not limited to single ordouble hung window arrangements. Rather, they have a wide range ofapplications that are well known in the art. For instance, double panewindows may be incorporated in doors, picture windows, etc.

Grids formed by interconnected muntin bars are often installed betweenthese glass panes of a double pane or insulated sash window. Typically,these grids are comprised of multiple muntin bars arranged in a gridpattern and interconnected at interior intersecting points by muntinjoiners. The grid is then placed between the panes of glass. Theperiphery of the grid is then mounted to the sash frame, or moretypically, to a spacer frame separating the panes, by a series of muntinclips. It is understood that the grid can take a variety of differentforms.

Typically, the muntin bars are of a tubular or hollow construction and aportion of the clip is received by an end of a muntin bar located at aperiphery of the grid. Typically, the hollow muntin bar receives anextension or bar support of the clip that is designed to fit tightlywithin the hollow muntin bar to effect an interference fit, therebyattaching the muntin clip to the muntin bar end. (See FIG. 3) The clipin turn is attached or connected in some way to the spacer frame. Anexample of a prior art muntin clip is shown in cross section in FIG. 3.The prior art muntin clip 1 includes a bar support 2, in the form of atree, tightly fitting within and received by a muntin bar 3.

Muntin grids, including the bars, joiners and clips of which they arecomprised, come in numerous shapes and sizes. One drawback resultingfrom this fact is that muntin clip manufactures must design and producea separate clip to match each potential size/shape of muntin baravailable on the market and to also match with a variety of sizes ofspacer frames. A conservative estimate is that there are currently atleast 500 muntin clip designs available on the market to accommodate themultitude of sizes and shapes that can be found in the available muntinbars. This costs clip manufacturers, and window manufacturers orassemblers to incur costs associated with maintaining and otherwisedealing with large and varied inventories of muntin clips.

FIGS. 4-5 show a spacer frame. The spacer frame typically has a lateralwall having a length C, a pair of vertical walls having a height B, anda pair of shoulders, each having a length X. The shoulders are separatedby a distance A. As one might expect, various window designs may and dorequire variously sized spacer frames. Typically, a manufacturer willadjust the length of the lateral wall C to accommodate window designshaving differing widths between their multiple panes of glass. However,for each different value of C (length of lateral or bottom wall), theheight B of the vertical wall and the length of the shoulder X remain asconstants. Therefore, as the length C of the lateral wall varies betweenthe various required spacer frame designs, the distance A between theshoulders also varies. This distance plays a role in determining whatmuntin clip may be used with a particular spacer frame.

Accordingly it can be seen that there are at least two factors dictatingwhat type or design of muntin clip may be used in a particular windowassembly. First is the configuration of the muntin bar to be used. Thesecond factor is the configuration of the spacer frame. The multitude ofvariations available in both muntin bars and spacer frames results inthe present existence of at least 500 different muntin clip designscurrently being available. This in turn causes clip manufacturers andwindow assemblers to be burdened with large clip inventories. Inaddition, certain muntin clip designs require complex molds in themanufacturing process.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed aboveand other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not providedby prior muntin clips of this type. A full discussion of the featuresand advantages of the present invention is deferred to the followingdetailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a muntin clip having an overall flexiblesupport structure that allows the clip to be connected to a plurality ofmuntin bars and spacer frames having a variety of sizes. The muntin clipincludes a base member adapted for connection to the spacer frame and abar support adapted for connection to the muntin bar end.

According to one aspect of the invention, the base member has a firstsegment, a second segment, and a mount structure.

According to another aspect of the invention, the bar support extendsfrom the base member and has a first segment extending from the firstsegment of the base member and a second segment extending from thesecond segment of the base member.

According to another aspect of the invention, the bar support containsflexible bow members that are deformable to allow for connection to avariety of different muntin bars.

According to another aspect of the invention, a flexible hinge memberconnects the first segment of the bar support to the second segment ofthe bar support, allowing the muntin clip assembly to move between anunfolded position and a folded position.

According to another aspect of the invention, a tension mechanism exertsoutward force on the first and second segments of the base member whenthe muntin clip assembly is in the folded position, allowing forenhanced connection to a spacer frame and also for connection to avariety of different spacer frames.

According to another aspect of the invention, the tension mechanismincludes a resilient spring member and an abutment member located on thebase member.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window assembly including a muntingrid;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view of the window assembly of FIG.1 taken along the line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a prior art muntin clip;

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of a spacer frame according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the spacer frame of FIG. 4 taken alongthe line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a muntin bar end according tothe present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a muntin clip according to the presentinvention in an unfolded position;

FIG. 8 is a reverse perspective view of the unfolded muntin clip of FIG.7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the unfolded muntin clip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the unfolded muntin clip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the unfolded muntin clip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the muntin clip of FIG. 7 in a foldedposition;

FIG. 13 is a reverse perspective view of the folded muntin clip of FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the folded muntin clip of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the folded muntin clip of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the folded muntin clip of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of thefolded muntin clip of FIG. 12 and a muntin bar end (shown partially) anda spacer frame (shown partially) according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

FIG.1 shows a sash window 12 comprised of a top sash rail 16, a basesash rail 18 and a pair of vertical stiles 20. Although not shown, thesash window 12 may be mounted, slidingly or otherwise, within a masterframe, such as, in a single or double hung window arrangement as is wellknown in the art. It is also understood that other hardware can beincorporated into the sash window 12 as is known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 2, each sash window 12 also includes a first pane ofglass 24 and a second pane of glass 26 mounted in parallel relationshipto one another within an interior of the sash window 12. The first andsecond panes 24, 26 are spaced by a spacer assembly 28 located at aperiphery of the panes 24, 26. The spacer assembly 28 comprises a spacerframe 30 and a seal or sealant 32. The spacer frame 30 is generallytubular with a rectangular or square cross section as seen in FIG. 2.The spacer frame 30 extends about the entire periphery of the first andsecond panes 24, 26. A seal or sealant 32 is applied to an outer regionof the spacer frame 30. When pressed between the first and second panes24, 26, the spacer frame 30 forms an air tight seal between the twopanes 24, 26.

A muntin grid 34 (FIG. 1) is positioned between the first and secondpanes of glass 24, 26. The muntin grid 34 is comprised of a plurality ofinterconnecting muntin bars 36. Each muntin bar 36 has a generallytubular and hollow construction. Various means of inter-connecting themuntin bars 36 are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theconnecting means are not further described herein and any means ofconnecting or joining the muntin bars 36 to one another may be utilized.As can be seen from the figures, the muntin bars 36 are sointerconnected to form a grid 34 which is positioned between the firstand second panes of glass 24, 26. Extending towards and located at aperiphery of the grid 34 are a plurality of muntin bar ends 38. It isunderstood that the grid 34 can take a variety of forms.

FIGS. 4-5 depict the spacer frame 30. FIG. 4 shows only a portion of thelength of the spacer frame 30. It can be seen that the spacer frame isgenerally U-shaped and includes a lateral wall 56 and a pair of verticalwalls 58 extending in the same direction from the lateral wall 56. Eachvertical wall 58 includes an inwardly extending shoulder 60 located nearan end of its respective vertical wall 58 distal from the lateral wall56. The shoulders 60 are separated by a distance A, defining anelongated opening 57 in the top of the spacer frame 30. The verticalwalls 58 each have a height B. The lateral wall 56 has a length C andthe shoulders 60 each have a length X. Spaced along a length of an inneredge of the shoulders 60 are a plurality of notches 62 (FIG. 4) adaptedto receive the mount structure 110 of the clip 100, to be explained. Itcan be seen that each notch 62 on one shoulder 60 is generally opposedfrom a corresponding notch 62 on the other shoulder 60. The opposednotches 62 form a pair of notches 64. It can also be seen that two notchpairs 64 are usually located in proximity to one another. It isunderstood that the two notch pairs 64 are but one preferred embodiment.

A typical muntin bar end 38 is shown in FIG. 6, and includes opposedside walls 37 spaced by a distance W and opposed lateral walls 39 spacedby a distance T. Each muntin bar end 38 is normally hollow andrectangular (although other shapes are possible), and has an interiorcavity 40 with interior walls 37 a and interior walls 39 a formed byopposed side walls 37 and opposed lateral walls 39 respectively. Themuntin bar 36 may have a solid peripheral structure or formed from aflat segment of material and folded into a tubular structure. In suchconfiguration, the muntin bar 36 has an open seam extending along alength of the bar 36.

A muntin clip 100 mounts each muntin bar end 38 to the sash window 12,to be explained. One preferred embodiment of the muntin clip 100according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-17. Eachmuntin clip 100 includes a base or base member 102 and a bar support106. The base 102 is adapted to mount the clip 100 to the spacer frame30, and the bar support 106 is adapted to connect the clip 100 to themuntin bar end 38. As explained in greater detail below, the base 102and bar support 106 each have flexible latching or support structurethat enhances the connectability of the muntin clip 100 to the spacerframe 30 and the muntin bar end 38. The muntin clip 100 is formed of afirst segment 100 a and a second segment 100 b, joined in the middle bya foldable member, or flexible hinge member 108. The muntin clip 100 canbe moved between an unfolded position or unfolded configuration,illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, and a folded position or foldedconfiguration, illustrated in FIGS. 12-17, by flexing of the hingemember 108. The folding of the muntin clip 100 is illustrated by thearrows in FIG. 7 wherein the foldable member is folded. As describedbelow, the muntin clip 100 is preferably manufactured in the unfoldedposition, but is moved to the folded position during use.

The bar support 106 is adapted to be inserted in the interior cavity 40of the hollow muntin bar end 38 to support the muntin bar 36 within themuntin grid 34. Preferably, the bar support 106 fits relatively tightlywithin the muntin bar end 38. The preferred embodiment of the barsupport 106 is shown in FIGS. 7-17, and includes a first segment 106 aand a second segment 106 b connected by the flexible hinge member 108.The first segment 106 a and the second segment 106 b are preferablysubstantially identical mirror images of each other. When the muntinclip 100 is moved to the folded position, the bar support segments 106a, 106 b fold together to form the bar support 106. Each segment 106 a,106 b of the bar support 106 has a means for connecting to a variety ofdifferent muntin bar ends 38, preferably including two resilient bowmembers 116. The bow members 116 are connected proximate the hingemember 108 and curve or angle outwardly and back inwardly, beingconnected to the base 102 in close proximity to each other. The bowmembers 116 are preferably flexible and deflectable or deformable, yetstill resilient. The flexible bow members 116 can flex or deflectinwardly and outwardly to accommodate muntin bar ends 38 of differentsizes. In alternate embodiments, the bow members 116 may take adifferent shape. In still other embodiments, the bar support 106 maytake a different form, and may have a different means for connecting toa variety of different muntin bar ends 38. For example, in oneembodiment, each bar support segment 106 a, 106 b has a trunk with aplurality of flexible fingers extending outwardly from the sides.Additionally, the bar support 106 preferably has two beveled surfaces118 (FIGS. 11 and 12) proximate the hinge member 108 to facilitateinsertion of the bar support 106 into the muntin bar end 38.

The base 102 is adapted to be connected to the spacer frame 30 toconnect the muntin bar 36 to the spacer frame 30. The preferredembodiment of the base 102 is shown in FIGS. 7-17, and includes a firstbase segment 102 a connected to the first bar support segment 106 a anda second base segment 102 b connected to the second bar support segment106 b. Like the bar support 106, when the muntin clip 100 is moved tothe folded position, the base segments 102 a, 102 b fold together toform the base 102 in cooperative fashion. Additionally, the first basesegment 102 a and the second base segment 102 b are preferablysubstantially identical mirror images of each other, except for thecomponents of the tension mechanism 120, described below. The base 102preferably has a platform 104 and a means for connecting the base 102 toa variety of different spacer frames 30, which is preferably a flexiblemount structure 110 attached to the platform 104. The flexible mountstructure 110 is adapted to engage the spacer frame 30 to connect themuntin clip 100 to the spacer frame 30, as described below. The flexiblemount structure 110 preferably includes four latch bodies or members112, two on each base segment 102 a, 102 b, each having a flexible latchfinger 111 thereon. The latch bodies 112 preferably are attached at thebottom of the platform 104 and extend downwardly, curving or anglingback toward the platform 104. This shape facilitates insertion of thebase 102 into the spacer frame 30, and allows the latch bodies 112 to bereceived in the notches 62 of the spacer frame 30. When the base 102 isinserted into the spacer frame 30, the latch bodies 112 are received inthe notches 62 of the spacer frame 30 and engage the shoulders 60 of thespacer frame 30. In other embodiments, the mount structure 110 may beconfigured differently, and may latch onto the spacer frame 30 by adifferent method, or may latch onto different locations of the spacerframe 30. For example, the latch bodies 112 could cooperate with ashoulder portion 67 (FIG. 4) of the spacer frame 30 that is positionedbetween the notches 62. The latch body 112 may also include a tab thatengages an underside of the shoulder portion 67. As another example, theflexible mount structure 110 may contain flexible latching members thatcurve or angle upward and outward, forming a U-shape or a V-shape whenviewed from the side. Accordingly, it is understood that the base 102can utilize a variety of different latching structures.

The base 102 also includes a tension mechanism 120, which is preferablya resilient spring member 122 located on the first base segment 102 aand an abutment member 124 located on the second base segment 102 b. Thespring member 122 is preferably a curved member or curved fingerdepending from the bottom of the platform 104 of the first base segment102 a, and then curving back upward. The spring member 122 preferablyhas two prongs 126 at the tip to create greater flexibility. Theabutment member 124 is preferably a flat wall projecting from the bottomof the platform 104 of the second base segment 102 b. The flat surfaceof the abutment member 124 provides a surface for contact with thespring member 122. The tension mechanism 120 preferably exerts anoutward force F on the two base segments 102 a, 102 b, tending to causethe base segments 102 a, 102 b to separate, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15.When the clip 100 is moved to the folded position, the spring member 122will contact the abutment member 124 and flex or deflect inwardly. Whenthe spring member 122 is deflected, the resilience of the spring member122 causes it to exert the outward force F on the abutment member 124.This enhances the connection to the spacer frame 30 as the muntin clip100 may experience an inward bias when inserted into the spacer frame30. Also, the base 102 can engage spacer frames 30 having differentwidths, because the base 102 will automatically “expand” to engage theshoulders 60 of a wider spacer frame 30, and can “contract” to be forcedinto a narrower spacer frame 30. In other embodiments, the spring member122 may be a different type of resilient and/or flexible member, and theabutment member 122 may be configured differently. In still furtherembodiments, the entire tension mechanism 120 may be configureddifferently, e.g., by including two spring members and no abutmentmember. Connection structure between the segments may also be providedthat still allows movement of the segments.

The flexible hinge member 108 connects the clip segments 100 a, 100 band is preferably a thin strip or strap of material connected to each ofthe bar support segments 106 a, 106 b. The hinge member 108 ispreferably flexible and deformable, yet still resilient, allowing themuntin clip 100 to move between the unfolded and folded positions. Theflexible hinge member 108 preferably folds at a central portion of thestrap. The hinge member 108 is biased toward the unfolded position, andthe resilience of the hinge member 108 causes the hinge member 108 toexert a continuous unfolding force on the clip segments 100 a, 100 bwhen the clip 100 is being folded or when the clip 100 is in the foldedposition. The unfolding force of the hinge member 108 combines with theoutward force F exerted by the tension mechanism 120 to push the basesegments 102 a, 102 b apart, allowing the base 102 to connect to avariety of different spacer frames, as described above. It is understoodthat the flexible member 108 can be dimensioned or configured in varyingfashions to affect the overall configuration of the muntin clip 100 whenin the folded position. For example, the member 108 could be enlarged toprovide for a wider dimensioned muntin clip for a particular spacerframe 30. The member 108 could also be configured to fold in multiplelocations. Finally, it is understood that in one preferred embodiment,the flexible hinge member 108 is positioned at a distal end of the barsupport segments 106 a, 106 b. In other configurations, the member 108can be positioned at other locations of the muntin clip 108. Forexample, the member 108 could be positioned at other locations of thebar support segments and could also be positioned on the base segments102 a, 102 b.

The clip 100 has two segments 100 a, 100 b, as described above. Thefirst segment 100 a includes the first base segment 102 a and the firstbar support segment 106 a. The first bar support segment 106 a extendsfrom the first base segment 102 a. Likewise, the second segment 100 bincludes the second base segment 102 b and the second bar supportsegment 106 b. The second bar support segment 106 b extends from thesecond base segment 102 b. Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., areused herein for purposes of reference only. It is understood that suchdesignations can be interchanged.

As discussed, the clip 100 is formed in the elongated, generally flatconfiguration as shown in FIG. 7. The clip 100 is moved to the foldedposition before use. The clip 100 is folded along the hinge member 108to bring the two segments 100 a, 100 b together, as shown by the arrowin FIG. 7. In the folded position, the two bar support segments 106 a,106 b come together in confronting relation to form the bar support 106,and the two base segments 102 a, 102 b come together in confrontingrelation to form the base 102. It is understood that a small gap orspace is maintained between the two bar support segments 106 a, 106 band the two base segments 102 a, 102 b. FIG. 17 illustrates theconnection of the folded clip 100 to the muntin bar end 38 and thespacer frame 30. The bar support 106 of the folded muntin clip 100 ispushed into the cavity 40 in the muntin bar end 38 and provides aninterference fit with the interior walls of the muntin bar end 38. Thebow members 116 flex inwardly, if necessary, to accommodate for a muntinbar end 38 having a narrower width. The base 102 of the folded muntinclip 100 is then pushed into the spacer frame 30 so that the latchbodies 112 are received in the notches 62 and engage the shoulders 60 ofthe spacer frame. As described above, the tension mechanism 120 allowsthe base 102 to expand and contract to fit spacer frames 30 of differentsizes. It is understood that the clip 100 can experience an inward biaswhen inserted into the spacer frame 30 and also experience an outwardbias from the tension mechanism 120.

As discussed, the muntin clip 100 is typically formed in aninjection-molded process. The clip 100 is formed in the generally flatposition as shown in FIG. 7. By molding in this configuration, aconventional open/close tool is used. Thus, a simpler mold configurationcan be used and sliding mold parts are unnecessary. It is understoodthat the mold can include cooperating mold parts formed to correspond tothe structure of the muntin clip 100 as shown in FIG. 7. It is furtherunderstood that the mold parts can each include a channel that willcooperatively form the flexible hinge member 108. Thus, the channel willtypically be a generally straight groove-like portion cut into each moldpart. Molten plastic is then injected into the mold wherein the muntinclip as shown in FIG. 7 is formed. Once the injection is complete andthe clip is formed, the mold parts can be easily separate and the clip100 can be ejected from the mold.

Thus, it is understood that simple methods are employed with the muntinclip 100. First, the muntin clip 100 is formed in an injection moldedprocess using a more simple mold configuration than many other prior artconfigurations. Once formed, the muntin clip 100 remains in thegenerally flat configuration. For connection in a window assembly, themuntin clip 100 is folded along the flexible member 108. The bar supportsegments are inserted into a muntin bar end and the base segments areinserted into the spacer frame. The structural configurations of themuntin clip 100 as described above allow the clip to be utilized inmuntin bars and spacer frames of varying sizes. As previously discussed,the bar support 106 and the base 102 can have different structures toallow for these flexible connections. It is understood that the barsupport 106 and base 102 could have structural configurations such asthose shown in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.11/186,387 and 11/298,304, which Applications are incorporated byreference herein and made a part hereof. These structures could beslightly modified and incorporated with the flexible member 108 asdiscussed above to provide a muntin clip having an unfolded position anda folded position.

The flexible components of the bar support of the muntin clip describedabove permit a single clip to be connected to any of a variety ofdifferent muntin bars having a variety of different dimensions andconfigurations. Similarly, the flexible mount structure and tensionmechanism of the base permits a single clip to be connected to any of avariety of different spacer frames having a variety of differentdimensions and configurations, and having openings of a variety ofdifferent widths. Thus, with the muntin clip as described above, thenecessary number of differently-sized muntin clips can be drasticallyreduced. This reduces inventory costs, additional tooling costs, andother costs associated with having to manufacture and store a largenumber of differently sized muntin clips. In addition, the number ofspacer frame assemblies can be reduced. Further, the clip can bemanufactured in the unfolded position, which reduces the complexity ofthe mold. The mold can be a more simple, straight open/close tool.Accordingly, the need for sliding motion of mold parts is eliminated.These features extend the life of the tool through increased strengthand less unexpected or incidental damage to the tool. In addition,because of the reduced complexity, the cycle time associated withforming the muntin clip is reduced.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described,numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing fromthe spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limitedby the scope of the accompanying Claims.

1. A muntin clip adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and aspacer frame, the muntin clip comprising: a base member having a firstbase segment and a second base segment, the first base segment having afirst mount structure adapted to be connected to the spacer frame andthe second base segment having a second mount structure adapted to beconnected to the spacer frame; a bar support having a first bar supportsegment extending from the first base segment and a second bar supportextending from the second base segment, the first bar support segmentand the second bar support segment adapted to be connected to the muntinbar end; and a flexible hinge member connecting the first bar supportsegment to the second bar support segment, wherein when the flexiblehinge member is not folded, the muntin clip is in an unfolded positionand when the flexible hinge member is folded, the muntin clip is in afolded position wherein the first base segment is in confrontingrelation to the second base segment and the first bar support segment isin confronting relation to the second bar support segment.
 2. The muntinclip of claim 1 wherein the flexible hinge member is a resilient strap.3. The muntin clip of claim 2 wherein the flexible hinge member folds ata central portion of the strap.
 4. The muntin clip of claim 1 whereinthe first mount structure is a first pair of flexible fingers adapted toconnect to the spacer frame, and the second mount structure is secondpair of flexible fingers adapted to connect to the spacer frame.
 5. Themuntin clip of claim 1 further comprising a tension mechanism operablyconnected to the first base member and the second base member andproviding an outwardly biasing force to the base members.
 6. The muntinclip of claim 1 wherein the first base member has a spring member andthe second base member has an abutment surface, wherein the springmember engages the abutment surface when the muntin clip is in thefolded position.
 7. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein the first barsupport segment has a bow member adapted to resiliently deflect whenadapted to be connected to the muntin bar end.
 8. The muntin clip ofclaim 1 wherein the second bar support segment has a bow member adaptedto resiliently deflect when adapted to be connected to the muntin barend.
 9. The muntin clip of claim 1 wherein when the muntin clip is inthe folded position, a space is maintained between the first bar supportsegment and the second bar support segment.
 10. The muntin clip of claim1 wherein when the muntin clip is in the folded position, a space ismaintained between the first bar support segment and the second barsupport segment.
 11. A muntin clip adapted to be connected to a muntinbar end and a spacer frame, the muntin clip comprising: a base memberadapted to be connected to the spacer frame; a bar support; and afoldable member operably connected one of the base member and the barsupport wherein the muntin clip has an unfolded configuration and afolded configuration when the foldable member is folded.
 12. A muntinclip adapted to be connected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame, themuntin clip comprising: a base member adapted to be connected to thespacer frame, the base member having a first segment and a secondsegment spaced from the first segment; a bar support extending from thebase member and adapted to be connected to the muntin bar end; and amechanism operably connected to the base member wherein the mechanismprovides an outwardly biasing force to the first segment and the secondsegment.
 13. The muntin clip of claim 12 wherein the mechanism has aresilient finger connected to the first segment and an abutment memberconnected to the second segment wherein the finger engages the abutmentmember.
 14. A muntin clip adapted to be connected to a muntin bar endand a spacer frame, the muntin clip comprising: a base member having amount structure adapted to be connected to the spacer frame, the basemember having a first base segment and a second base segment; a barsupport extending from the base member and adapted for connection to themuntin bar end, the bar support having a first bar support segmentextending from the first base segment of the base member and a secondsegment extending from the second segment of the base member; a flexiblehinge member connecting the first bar segment to the second bar segment,allowing the muntin clip to move between an unfolded position and afolded position; and a tension mechanism operably connected between thefirst base segment and the second base segment and exerting an outwardforce on the first base segment and the second base segment when themuntin clip is in the folded position.
 15. A muntin clip adapted to beconnected to a muntin bar end and a spacer frame, the muntin clipcomprising: a base member having a first base segment and a second basesegment, the first base segment having a pair of flexible fingersadapted to connect to the spacer frame, and the second base segmenthaving a pair of flexible fingers adapted to connect to the spacerframe, first base member having a spring member and the second basemember having an abutment surface; a bar support having a first barsupport segment extending from the first base segment and a second barsupport extending from the second base segment, the first bar supportsegment and the second bar support segment adapted to be connected tothe muntin bar end; and a flexible hinge member connecting the first barsupport segment to the second bar support segment, wherein when theflexible hinge member is not folded, the muntin clip is in an unfoldedposition and when the flexible hinge member is folded, the muntin clipis in a folded position wherein the first base segment is in confrontingrelation to the second base segment and the first bar support segment isin confronting relation to the second bar support segment and whereinthe spring member engages the abutment surface wherein an outwardbiasing force is exerted on the base segments.